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Proverbial Meaning: Swapping someone else’s item for something of equal worth is fair, a good deal.
Literal Origins: The proverb now is opposed to forcing someone to exchange their valuable possession for a worthless item, but may have been used as an excuse to do just that in the past – i.e. stealing someone’s property but leaving behind a lesser item in exchange, in some cases to alleviate guilt.
Common Usage: The proverb is used by some to this day and will often be said jokingly when two people make an honest exchange.
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